I was in England 88-91
First experience with Brit Fish and Chips was I took a big bite of the sandwich and searing oil squirted out onto both sides of my mouth. I had a big burn sore on both sides of my mouth for days. I looked like the Joker from Batman.
Never ate at THAT place again. Best F&C I ever had was at a little pub outside RAF Sculthorpe near Kings Lynn. Yum!
I'm surprised you were willing to give it a second try after that disastrous first experience. I tried what they called a 'beef burger' once while I was there. First and LAST time I did that. I still get a nasty taste in my mouth just thinking of it.
There are still some British eats and drinks that I sorely miss. I grew to love Branston pickle and just about all of their draft beer. I still think PG Tips beats that Lipton crap hands down.
I was there in '89 - '90. South of England the whole time.